On Tuesday, human rights attorney Femi Falana criticized a court ruling that prevented the arrest of Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stating no Nigerian should be detained pursuant to a court order.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Falana argued that regular Nigerians ought to have the same exemption from prosecution in this case as the head of the apex bank.
“On no ground should our court order the arrest and detention of any citizen on the basis of an ex parte application,” he stated.
“I cannot guess why this harassment is being meted out to Mr Godwin Emefiele. I do not have the full fact. Even the court said sufficient fact has not been adduced to warrant granting the order.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) sought to have Emefiele arrested and detained, but the Federal High Court on Monday rejected their request.
Justice John Tsoho denied the motion ex-parte made by an applicant while the respondent was not present because the secret police had not offered any hard proof to support its assertions that Emefiele was involved in money laundering and other economic crimes.
Falana criticized the CBN’s cashless and withdrawal policies during the interview on Tuesday, calling it illegal and in violation of the current Money Laundering Act.
The senior attorney suggested that the National Assembly alter Section 2 of the Money Laundering Act as a next step.
He also argued that, following the general elections in 2023, those who live in rural areas should have six months to open bank accounts.
